Reference-dependent preferences: a theoretical and experimental investigation of individual reference-point formation/ by Evelyn Stommel

1 Introduction
1.1 Motivation
1.2 Structure of the dissertation
Part 1: Literature review and research gaps
2 Theoretical basis
2.1 Expected utility theory
2.2 Violations of expected utility theory and the need for an
alternative theory
2.3 Prospect theory
2.3.1 Cognitive decision process
2.3.2 Value function
2.3.3 Weighting function
2.4 Main limitation of prospect theory
3 Reference-dependent preferences.
3.1 State of the art
3.1.1 Constitution of reference points
3.1.2 Formation of reference points
3.1.3 Determinants of reference points
3.2 Research gaps and research questions.
Part 2: Empirical investigations
4 Research approach
4.1 Experimental design.
4.2 Methodology of analysis
5 First experimental study: A second look at expectations as
reference points - the domain of losses
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Potential impact of expectations given prospect theory preferences.
5.3 Measuring reference point adaptation due to expectations.
5.4 Formulation of predictions
5.5 Study
5.5.1 Sample and setting
5.5.2 Analysis and results
5.6 Discussion
5.7 General conclusion.
6 Second experimental study: Personality traits and their influence
on reference point formation in the domains of gains and losses
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Measuring reference point adaptation
6.3 Formulation of hypotheses
6.3.1 Need for achievement
6.3.2 Optimism
6.3.3 Self-esteem
6.3.4 The constructs of the Big-Five
6.4 Study
6.4.1 Sample and setting
6.4.2 Operationalization of variables .
6.4.3 Analysis and results
6.5 Discussion
6.6 General discussion and conclusion
7 Third experimental study: Managerial reference
point formation: risk, affects, and ownership
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Theory and hypotheses
7.2.1 The information; purchase price, current price,
and average price
7.2.2. The information: risk
7.2.3 Managerial reference point formation based on affects
7.3 Study
7.3.1 Framework
7.3.2 Sample and setting
7.3.3 Operationalization of variable
7.3.4 Analysis and results.
7.3.5 Post-hoc tests
7.4 Discussion and conclusion
7.4.1 General discussion
7.4.2 Limitations and future researc
7.4.3 Practical implications
Part 3: Summary and discussion
8 Summary, Implications, and outlook.
8.1 Summary
8.2 Limitations
8.3 Implications
8.3.1 Theoretical implications
8.3.2 Practical implications
8.4 Directions for further research